Image forming apparatus that prevents recording in an undesired image formation mode

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on data received from a plurality of data sources of different kinds includes a receiver for receiving data from each of the plurality of data sources; a memory for storing data received by the receiver; a recording unit for forming an image based on data read from the memory; a determination unit for determining whether or not image formation by the recording unit is currently being performed; and an output unit for generating a command for setting the recording unit in a specific one of a plurality of printing modes.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/927,802 filedon Sep. 11, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,690, which is a continuationof Ser. No. 08/181,061 filed Jan. 14, 1994, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus whichfunctions as a printer for a computer or the like and as a facsimileapparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Thermal printers, LBPs (laser beam printers), etc. have been used as therecording sections of facsimile apparatuses. Thermal printers have aproblem in that the recording paper used therein has rather poorproperties in terms of imprinting and shelf life. LBPs have a problem inthat they are rather large and costly. In view of these problems, asmall, inexpensive printer has been developed whose recording sectionconsists of an ink-jet type recording printer using ordinary paper.

Generally speaking, an ink-jet type printer has the following features:

It has a head in which several tens of ink discharge nozzles arearranged along a sub-scanning dimension at intervals according to thepixel pitch, and performs one band (line) of printing by ejecting inkwhile the head moves in a main scanning direction. It also moves therecording paper in the sub-scanning direction by a distancecorresponding to one band. By repeating these operations, it forms onepage of an image.

Printing is possible by both the forward and backward movements of thehead. However, when an image extending over a plurality of bands isprinted, an image misregistration between the bands may be caused formechanical reasons. Such misregistration is more serious inreciprocative printing than in printing in the forward direction only(the one direction printing mode).

When printing an image output from a computer (bit image data), only theforward movement of the head is generally used for the printing in orderto minimize such misregistration as mentioned above as much as possible.

Some ink-jet type printers have a draft mode which is used for draftprinting (a printing mode for draft printing and temporary printing forchecking the layout). This is a mode in which the pixels are thinned outin a zigzag fashion to economize ink and, at the same time, the head ismoved at an increased speed for high-speed printing.

When employed as the printing section of a facsimile apparatus having aprinter interface, such an ink-jet type printer is designed to becapable of being used in both draft mode printing and one directionprinting. More specifically, printing mode setting keys are provided onthe operation panel, enabling the user to select between the normal anddraft modes by operating these keys. When output images from a computer(bit image data) are to be printed, only the forward movement of thehead is used for printing in consideration of image quality.

However, in the above-described type of facsimile apparatus having aprinter interface, it may happen that the apparatus performs a facsimilereceiving operation after the user has set it to the draft mode. Thereceived information will then be printed (recorded) in the draft mode,resulting in the received image being rather lightly printed or thefinely printed portions being unintelligible.

Further, while output images from the computer can be adjusted to theprinter capacity (e.g., 360 dpi), the resolution of received images ofthe facsimile apparatus is at a relatively low level of 8 dot/mm (203.2dpi), so that the above-mentioned misregistration between the bandswould not be so conspicuous if printing were effected through thereciprocative movement of the head. Despite this fact, it may happenthat preference is given to the printing of computer output by selectingone direction printing, resulting in a reduction in printing speed.Since facsimile apparatuses of the ink-jet type are manufacturedrelatively inexpensively, their memory capacity is generally not verylarge. Thus, such a low printing speed is liable to lead to an overflowof received facsimile images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an imageforming apparatus in which the above-mentioned problems have beeneliminated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image formingapparatus in which image data received in facsimile communications isprevented from being recorded in an undesired image formation mode.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus in which image data other than image data received infacsimile communications is prevented from being recorded in anundesired image formation mode.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided, in accordance with thepresent invention, an image forming apparatus of the type which has aplurality of image formation modes of different image qualities, whereinthe image forming apparatus is equipped with: a recording section whichcan be used for image formation of both image data received in facsimilecommunications and other image data; and a switching means for switchingbetween an image formation mode for recording image data received infacsimile communications and one for recording other image data.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided animage forming apparatus of the type which has a recording section thatcan be used for image formation of both image data received in facsimilecommunications and other image data, wherein recording of image datareceived in facsimile communications is possible even when the recordingsection is in a mode for image formation of other image data, the imageforming apparatus being equipped with: a detection means for detectingthat the recording section is performing image formation of image dataother than image data received in facsimile communications; and a meansfor switching the recording section to a mode for image formation ofimage data received in facsimile communications so as to record suchreceived image data when the detection means detects that the recordingsection is not operating in the mode for image formation of image dataother than image data received in facsimile communications.

Still further, in accordance with the present invention, there isprovided an image forming apparatus of the type which has a plurality ofimage formation modes of different image qualities and which has arecording section that can be used for image formation of both imagedata received in facsimile communications and other image data, whereinrecording of image data received in facsimile communications is possibleeven when the recording section is in a mode for image formation ofother image data, the image forming apparatus being equipped with: adetection means for detecting that the recording section is performingimage formation of image data other than received image data infacsimile communications; and a switching means for switching therecording section to a mode for image formation of image data receivedin facsimile communications so as to record such received image datawhen the detection means detects that the recording section is notoperating in the mode for image formation of other image data, therecording section being restored to the image formation mode for otherimage data after the completion of the recording of the image datareceived in facsimile communications.

In accordance with the present invention, the recording section has aplurality of image formation modes of different image qualities, wherebyit is always possible to to perform image formation in an imageformation mode that is most suitable for the matter to be printed.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an imageforming apparatus of the type which has a facsimile function by which itrecords image data received in facsimile communications and a printerfunction by which it records image data output from a host computer. Theimage forming apparatus comprises:

setting means for setting the apparatus to one of a plurality ofprinting modes;

recording means for recording image data;

reception means for receiving facsimile image data; and

control means for causing the setting means to set the apparatus to aspecific printing mode when facsimile image data received by thereception means is to be recorded, independent of any printing mode inwhich the apparatus has previously been set by the setting means.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality ofprinting modes include at least either a draft mode or a high-qualitymode.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, theabove-mentioned recording means includes: a recording head equipped witha plurality of recording elements; and a movement means for performing amain scanning through a reciprocating movement of the recording headrelative to a recording medium. The above-mentioned high-quality mode isa one-direction recording mode in which a main scanning is performed bymoving the recording head in one direction of the above-mentionedreciprocating movement, and the above-mentioned specific mode is atwo-direction (normal) recording mode in which the main scanning isperformed by moving the recording head in both directions of thereciprocating movement. By a manual operation conducted by an operatorand/or in response to a call from a line, the apparatus is switched froma printing to a facsimile mode, and, in response to the setting of thefacsimile mode, a specific printing mode is set.

Thus, printing in a printing mode that is most suitable for theoperation mode of the recording means is possible. That is, when theapparatus is to be used as a printer (i.e., in the printer mode), theuser can select between the normal and draft modes, and image data, etc.can be printed with high quality by moving the recording head in theforward direction only (one-direction printing). When in the facsimilemode, the apparatus is set to the normal mode, in which high-speedprinting is possible through reciprocative printing. Even if the userleaves the apparatus in the printer mode, images received in facsimilecommunications are not printed by one-direction printing but in thenormal mode (printing mode).

Further, in accordance with the present invention, image data receivedin facsimile communications and other image data can both be preventedfrom being recorded in an undesired image formation mode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therecording section ejects ink droplets through discharge nozzles byutilizing an ejection energy generated in correspondence with the imagedata to be recorded, thereby recording images on a recording medium.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recordingsection causes changes in ink condition by utilizing heat energy,thereby ejecting ink droplets.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, theabove-mentioned recording section performs the main scanning by areciprocating movement of the recording head, equipped with a pluralityof recording elements, relative to the recording medium, and theabove-mentioned plurality of image formation modes include a mode inwhich the main scanning is performed by moving the recording head in onedirection of the reciprocating movement and a mode in which the mainscanning is performed by moving the recording head in both directions ofthe reciprocating movement.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention, theabove-mentioned plurality of image formation modes include at least amode in which image data is recorded in a thinned-out form.

Other objects, advantages and effects of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description, thedrawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink-jet cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the recording section of an imageforming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention isapplicable;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus of thisembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel 107 in the image formingapparatus of this embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a facsimile reception task operation ofthe control section 101 in this embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing task operation of a controlsection 101 in this embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a recording operation of the controlsection in this embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of the construction of an ink-jet printersuitable for the recording section of an image forming apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings,symbol IJH indicates an ink-jet head (hereinafter referred to as the“recording head” or simply as the “head”) of the type in which ink isemitted onto the recording paper by using a bubble generated by heatenergy; symbol IJC indicates a detachable ink cartridge (hereinafterreferred to as the “cartridge”) formed as an integral unit with the headIJH and equipped with a tank IT for feeding ink to the head; and symbolIJRA (FIG. 2) indicates the body of an ink-jet recording apparatus.

As can be seen from the perspective view of FIG. 1, the cartridge IJC ofthis embodiment has a configuration in which the front end of the headIJH is slightly protruding from the front surface of the ink tank IT.This cartridge IJC is of a disposable type which is firmly supported bya carriage HC mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus body IJRA to bedescribed below and, at the same time, detachable with respect to thecarriage HC.

The ink tank IT for storing ink to be supplied to the head IJH iscomposed of an ink absorber, a container into which the ink absorber isinserted and a cover member for sealing up the container (none of thesethree components are shown in the drawings). The ink tank IT is filledwith ink, which is successively supplied to the head by ink ejection.

The cartridge IJC, constructed as described above, is detachablymounted, in a predetermined manner, on the carriage HC of the body ofthe ink-jet recording apparatus to be described below, and, by inputtingpredetermined recording signals, the relative movement of the carriageHC and the recording medium is controlled so that a desired recordingimage is formed.

FIG. 2 is an outward perspective view showing an example of the ink-jetrecording apparatus equipped with mechanisms for performing theabove-mentioned processes.

In the drawing, numeral 20 indicates a recording head of the cartridgeIJC having a group of nozzles for ejecting ink onto the recordingsurface of a recording paper fed onto a platen 24. Numeral 16 indicatesa carriage HC for holding the recording head 20. The carriage 16 isconnected with a part of a driving belt 18 for transmitting the drivingpower of a driving motor 17, and is slidable on two guide shafts 19A and19B arranged parallel to each other, whereby a reciprocating movement ofthe recording head 20 is possible over the entire width of the recordingpaper. During this reciprocating movement, the recording head 20 recordsimages corresponding to the received data on the recording paper, whichis fed by a predetermined amount at the completion of each mainscanning, thereby effecting a sub-scanning.

Numeral 26 indicates a head function recovery device, which is arrangedat one end of the movement path of the recording head 20, for example,at a position opposed to the home position. The head function recoverydevice 26 is operated by the driving force of a motor 22, transmittedthrough a transmission mechanism 23, thereby effecting a cappingoperation on the recording head 20. An appropriate suction means (e.g.,a suction pump) provided inside the head function recovery device 26performs an ink sucking operation (a recovery operation through suctionof ink) in association with the capping operation of a capping section26A of the head function recovery device 26 performed on the recordinghead 20, whereby an ejecting function recovery process is effected byremoving the viscous ink remaining in the discharge nozzles. Further,capping is also effected after the completion of each recordingoperation, etc., thereby protecting the recording head 20. This ejectingfunction recovery process is conducted when power is turned on, when therecording head is replaced with a new one, when no recording is to beperformed for a certain period of time, etc.

Numeral 31 indicates a blade which is arranged on a side surface of thehead function recovery device 26 and which constitutes a wiping memberformed of silicon rubber. The blade 31 is retained in a cantilever-likefashion by a blade retaining member 31A, and is operated, like the headfunction recovery device 26, by the motor 22 and the transmissionmechanism 23 in such a way as to be engaged with the ejection surface ofthe recording head 20. This makes it possible for the blade 31 to beengaged with the ejection surface of the recording head 20 with anappropriate timing during a recording operation of the recording head 20or after an ejecting function recovery process is performed by the headfunction recovery device 26, thereby removing dew, moisture, dust, etc.from the ejection surface of the recording head 20.

FIG. 3 shows the electrical system configuration of an image formingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In thedrawing, numeral 101 indicates a facsimile control section consisting ofa microprocessor, etc. It is composed of a CPU (central processing unit)104, a ROM (read only memory) 103, a RAM (random access memory) 102etc., and controls the input and output of images and all of thecommunication processes. The ROM 103 stores a control program which willbe described below. The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the CPU 104and, further, stores image data buffers, “printing request flags” whichwill be described below, printing modes, etc.

The input and output of images are effected by a reading section 100 anda recording section 111. That is, the reading of original image data isperformed by the reading section 100, which is composed of a CCD(charge-coupled device) sensor, an original feeding system, etc.Received image data and image data read by the reading section 100 atthe time of copying are printed on paper by the recording section 111,which includes an ink-jet printer (the recording apparatus IJRA asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2).

Connection with a communication line, such as a telephone line, and theinput and output of data are effected by a modem 105 and an NCU (netcontrol unit) 106. A telephone 116 for calls and manual control isconnected to the NCU 106. In a facsimile receiving operation, image datais input through the NCU 106 and the modem 105 and stored in the RAM102.

The control means of the recording section 111 includes a CPU 114, a ROM113 for storing a CPU control program and a character generator, and aRAM 112 used as a work area for the CPU, command buffer and printbuffer. This control means controls a carriage motor 9, a paper feedmotor 10, and a semi-multi head 11 (corresponding to the head 20 inFIGS. 1 and 2).

The carriage motor 9 is a stepping motor for causing the carriage 16, onwhich the cartridge 21 (IJC) is mounted, to move in the main scanningdirection. The paper feed motor 10, which is also a stepping motor,feeds the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction, which issubstantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction, after thecompletion of each main scanning. The semi-multi head 11 has severaltens to several hundreds of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanningdirection (64 nozzles in this embodiment, providing a resolution of 360dpi), and is adapted to record one page of information on the recordingpaper by performing the main scanning a plurality of times. In the casewhere information received in facsimile communications is recorded, thedata stored in the RAM 102 is transferred by the facsimile controlsection 101 as raw data (uncoded data) and stored in the RAM 112 in theform of band-like, one-main-scanning data corresponding to the number ofnozzles on the semi-multi head 11. This band-like data for each line inthe main scanning direction is transferred from the RAM 112 to thesemi-multi head 11, thereby effecting recording.

Numeral 110 indicates a switch which is switchable in accordance withthe control performed by the facsimile control section 111. When theswitch is set to the position a, data received in facsimilecommunications is transmitted to the recording section 111 for printing.When the switch is set to the position b, printing data from a computer,connected to a connector 115 is transmitted to the recording section 111to be printed. The facsimile control section 101 transmits not onlyimage data but also commands, which will be described below, to therecording section 111.

The input data from the connector 115 is input to the switch 110 and, atthe same time, it is also input to the facsimile control section 101,whereby it is possible for the facsimile control section 101 to detect,when the switch 110 is at the position b, that printing commands,printing data, etc. are being transmitted from the connector 115 to therecording section 111.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel 107, which has a facsimileoperating section 108 and a printer operating section 109. The facsimileoperating section 108 includes ten keys 131 for entering telephonenumbers, various function keys 132, a printer key 121 for switching theoperation mode between the facsimile and printer modes, and an LCDdisplay 123 for displaying telephone numbers, time of day, etc. Theprinter operating section 109 includes a printing mode key 126 forenabling the user to designate the printing mode of the recordingsection 111. The printing mode is changed when the printing mode key 126is operated at the time that the recording section 111 is in the printermode. Further, the printer operating section includes displays 128 and129 for displaying the current printing mode.

The apparatus of this embodiment has an answering machine function. Bydepressing an answering machine key 122, the apparatus operates as ananswering machine.

Further, the operation panel 107 is provided with an answering operationsection 120 for realizing the answering machine function. The printeroperating section 109 and the answering operation section 120 areprovided with a cover (not shown) which can be opened and closed.

In this embodiment, the printing mode can be selected from the followingthree modes: an SHQ (super high quality) mode (hereinafter referred toas the “one direction printing mode”), an HQ (high quality) mode(hereinafter referred to as the “normal mode”), and an HS (high speed)mode (hereinafter referred to as the “draft”) mode. When the printingmode key 126 is depressed, these three printing modes can be changed ina cyclic manner from one to the other to enable the user to select thedesired mode.

In the one direction printing mode, the CPU 114 effects a printingoperation by moving the carriage 16 in the forward direction only,causing the carriage to return and the recording paper to be fed by oneband (line) after each forward movement. By repeating these operations,one page of data is recorded. Due to this arrangement, it is possible toeliminate the deviation in ink ejection points which occurs when thecarriage is moved in different directions, thereby making it possible toeffect high-quality recording. This one direction printing mode isselected when bit image data transmitted from a host computer is to beprinted.

In the normal mode, as mentioned above, the CPU 114 causes the carriageto return after each forward movement of the carriage. However, afterthe feeding of the recording paper, the CPU 114 performs a printingoperation also in the returning direction by reversely transferringband-like data to the head 11. Thus, it controls the recording sectionso that a recording operation can be performed by the movement of thecarriage 16 in either direction. In the draft mode, the CPU 114transfers data from the RAM 112 to the head 11 after thinning the dataout in such a way that any two dots adjacent to each other in the mainscanning direction are not printed, and the speed at which the carriageis moved by the carriage motor 9 is increased (that is, the step cycleof the motor is increased). The increase in the recording speed in thedraft mode is due to the above-described thinning-out recordingcontributing to a reduction in the recording period. In an ink-jet typehead, it takes a certain amount of time (refill time) before the nozzlesare refilled with ink after each ejection for effecting printing.

In this embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily select one of theabove three printing modes when the apparatus is in the printer mode.When in the facsimile mode, the apparatus is forcibly set to the normalprinting mode, to perform printing independently of the operatingsection 109 for operating the recording section.

The operation of the facsimile control section 101 will be described.

The facsimile control section 101 conducts a multitask operation,executing a reception task as shown in FIG. 5 and a printing task asshown in FIG. 6 on a time sharing basis.

First, the reception task operation of FIG. 5 will be described. When acall signal from the line is detected by the detection circuit of theNCU 106, or when the user designates a receiving operation bymanipulating the operation panel 107, the reception task is started, inwhich the procedure advances to step S22, where the “printing requestflag” of the RAM 102, which indicates that received image data exists inthe memory, is turned ON, and, in step S23, the received image data isstored in the RAM 102.

Next, the printing task operation of FIG. 6 will be described. Theprinting task is constantly in operation to monitor the state of theprinter key. Further, when the “printing request flag” is turned ON, itstarts printing.

Specifically, a judgment is made in step S1 as to whether the printerkey has been depressed. If the key is found to have been depressed, theprocedure advances to step S2 to effect operation mode switching(between the facsimile and printer modes) of the recording section 111.In step S2, the current operation mode is checked. If the currentoperation mode is the printer mode, the procedure advances to step S5,where the switch 110 is switched to the position a so that the commandsfrom the facsimile control section 101 can be transmitted to therecording section 111. Subsequently, in step S6, a command fortransition to the facsimile mode is transmitted to the recording section111. After that, the recording section 111 operates as the recordingsection of the facsimile apparatus.

If, in step S2, the current operation mode is found to be the facsimilemode, the procedure advances to step S3, where a command for cancellingthe facsimile mode is transmitted to the recording section 111. Then, instep S4, the switch 110 is switched to the position b. After that, theprinting commands from the computer, which is connected to the connector115, are transmitted to the recording section 111, which then operatesas a printer.

Next, in step S7, the “printing request flag” in the RAM 102 is checked.When there is no printing request (i.e., when the flag is OFF), theprocedure returns to step S1. If there is a printing request, theprocedure advances to step S8, where the current operation mode ischecked. If the current operation mode is found to be the facsimilemode, the received image data in the RAM 102 is sent, in step S15, tothe recording section 111, whereby the received images are printed, andthen the procedure returns to step S1.

When, in step S8, the current operation mode is found to be the printermode, it is checked, in step S9, whether any data is being sent from theconnector 115 to the recording section 111. If data is being sent to therecording section, it is judged that printing is being performed, andstep S8 is looped. It no printing is being performed, the procedureadvances to step S10, where the switch 110 is switched to the positiona. Subsequently, in step S11, a command for transition to the facsimilemode is sent to the recording section 111. Next, in step S12, imagesreceived in facsimile communications are printed, as in step S15. Instep S13, a command for cancelling the facsimile mode is sent to therecording section 111. In step S14, the switch 110 is returned to theposition b. During the operations of steps S10 through S14, a “busy”signal is supplied to the host computer. In steps S13 and S14, therecording section 111 is restored to the printer mode, and the procedurereturns to step S1 to repeat the above operations.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart for the recording section 111.

When a command is transmitted from the facsimile control section 101 byway of the switch 110, the control procedure for the recording section111 advances to step S16. If, in step S16, the command transmitted is acommand for transition to the facsimile mode, the procedure advances tostep S19, where the printing mode which has been used in the printermode up to the present is stored in the RAM 112. Then, in step S21, theprinting mode is set to the normal mode for reciprocative printing,thereby commanding the command receiving operation. If, in step S16, thecommand transmitted is not a mode for transition to the facsimile mode,the procedure advances to step S17, where it is checked whether thecommand is a facsimile mode cancelling command. If the command is foundto be a facsimile mode cancelling command, the procedure advances tostep S20, where the printing mode which has been used in the printermode until the transition to the facsimile mode is read from the RAM 112to set, for example, the one-direction printing mode, thereby completingthe setting operation. If, in step S17, the command transmitted is not acommand for cancelling the facsimile mode, the procedure advances tostep S18, where processes for other commands are executed to end theoperation.

As described above, with the present apparatus, it is possible toperform printing in a printing mode that is most suitable for theoperation mode (which is either the printer mode or the facsimile mode)of the recording section. That is, when the apparatus is used as aprinter, the user can select a desired printing mode from three printingmodes, a high-quality mode, normal mode, and draft mode, and highquality printing of image data can be effected by one direction printing(the high-quality mode). When the apparatus is used in the facsimilemode (i.e., as a facsimile apparatus), the printing mode is set to thenormal mode, thereby enabling images received in facsimilecommunications to be printed at a higher speed without causing anyextreme deterioration in image quality.

If the user leaves the apparatus in the printer mode, images received infacsimile communications are printed in the normal mode. Since theswitching of the operation mode and the printing of images received infacsimile communications are effected in the same task, there is nopossibility of the operation mode being switched to the printer modedaring a facsimile receiving operation. Since the printing modes for therecording section are stored in the RAM of the recording section, it isonly necessary for the interface between the facsimile control sectionand the recording section to be in one direction, thereby simplifyingthe construction of the switch 110.

While in the above-described embodiment the key 121 for manually settingthe operation mode is provided, it is also possible for the operationmode to be set by a command from the host computer in addition to orinstead of being set by the key 121. When the key 121 is not provided,steps S1 through S6, S8 and S15 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 are omitted,and the procedure advances to step S9 when the result of step S7 is“YES”.

Further, while in the above embodiment, any facsimile image datareceived while the apparatus is in the printer mode, which was manuallyset by the key 121, is printed after the completion of the printingwhich has been conducted in the printer mode, this should not beconstrued restrictively. It is also possible for the received image datato be stored in the RAM 102 so that it can be printed out in response tothe setting of the facsimile mode by the key 121.

It is also possible for the facsimile control section to control therecording section. That is, the operation of the recording section ofFIG. 6 can also be executed as one of the tasks of the facsimile controlsection.

While in the above-described embodiment there are two separate controlsections, the main control section for controlling the transmission andreception of data and the operation display section, and the recordingcontrol section for controlling recording operations, it is alsopossible for the main control section to be designed so as to be capableof controlling all operations including the recording operations.

The above embodiment has been described with reference to the case whereit is applied to an ink-jet recording system in which recording isperformed by ejecting ink droplets formed by utilizing heat energy.Examples of the typical construction and the basic principle of thistype of ink-jet recording system, which it is desirable to adopt, aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796.This ink-jetrecording system is applicable to both so-called on-demand-type andcontinuous type recording apparatuses. In particular, this ink-jetrecording system can be advantageously applied to the on-demand typerecording apparatus, in which at least one driving signal causing arapid rise in temperature beyond a boiling point in accordance with theinformation to be recorded, is applied to electrothermal conversionmembers arranged in correspondence with a sheet retaining liquid (ink)or with a liquid path. As a result, heat energy is generated in theelectrothermal conversion members to cause film boiling on the heataction surface of the recording head, so that a bubble which is inone-to-one correspondence with this driving signal can be formed in theliquid (ink). By the growth and shrinkage of this bubble, the liquid(ink) is ejected through a discharge nozzle to form at least onedroplet. It is more desirable for this driving signal to be provided ina pulse form since the the growth or shrinkage of the bubble can then beeffected instantaneously and appropriately, thereby realizing a liquid(ink) ejection having particularly excellent responsiveness.

Preferable examples of this pulse-form driving signal are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262. By adopting the conditions givenin the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,124, which relates to thetemperature rise ratio on the above heat action surface of the recordinghead, a recording which is even more excellent is made possible.

Apart from the recording head constructions as described in theabove-mentioned specifications, in which discharge nozzles, liquid pathsand electrothermal conversion members are combined (to form linear orrectangular flow paths), it is also possible to adopt a construction inwhich the heat action is provided in bent areas, as disclosed in thespecifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 4,459,600.

Further, it is also possible to adopt the construction as disclosed inJapanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-123670, according to which a commonslot is used as the discharge section for a plurality of electrothermalconversion members, or the construction as disclosed in Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 59-138461, according to which openings for absorbing thepressure waves of heat energy are arranged in correspondence with thedischarge section.

Further, a full-line type recording head having a length correspondingto the width of the largest recording medium that can be used in theassociated recording apparatus can be formed by combining a plurality ofrecording heads so as to satisfy the length requirement therefor, asdisclosed in the specifications mentioned above. Alternatively, such afull-line type recording head can be formed as a single recording headin the form of an integral unit.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to areplaceable-chip-type recording head, which is attached to theassociated recording apparatus body so as to be electrically connectedthereto and supplied with ink therefrom. Further, the present inventioncan also be effectively applied to a cartridge-type recording head,which is integrally provided with an ink tank.

Also, provision of a function recovery means for the recording head, apreliminary auxiliary means, etc. is desirable since this will furtherstabilize the effects of the present invention. Specifically, it iseffective, from the viewpoint of stable recording, to provide therecording head with a capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing orsuction means, electrothermal conversion members or separate preliminaryheating means consisting of heating elements, or a combination thereof,and a mode for preliminary ejection performed apart from the ejectionfor recording.

While the present invention has been described as applied to the casewhere a liquid ink is used, this should not be construed restrictively.It is also possible to use an ink of the type which is in a solid format room temperature or under and which softens or liquefies at roomtemperature. In the ink-jet type recording system described above,temperature control is generally effected by keeping the ink within thetemperature range of 30° C. to 70° C. so as to maintain the inkviscosity in a stable ejection range. Accordingly, any type of ink willdo as long as it is in a liquid form in the above temperature range, inwhich recording signals are imparted to the recording means.

It is also possible to prevent temperature rise due to the heat energyfor bubble generation by positively utilizing this heat energy to changethe ink from the solid to the liquid state. Further, it is possible touse an ink of the type which solidifies when left to stand so thatevaporation of the ink can be avoided. In any case, the ink shouldliquefy when heat energy is imparted thereto in accordance withrecording signals so that it can be ejected as liquid ink. Further, theink used may be of such a type which does not liquify until heat energyis imparted thereto and which instantly starts to solidify upon reachingthe recording medium. Such a type of ink may be retained in the form ofa liquid or solid in recesses of a porous sheet or in through-holes insuch a way as to be opposed to the electrothermal conversion members, asdescribed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 54-56847 and 60-71260. Theabove-described types of ink can be most effectively applied to anapparatus of the system utilizing film boiling as mentioned above.

Further, the present invention is not restricted to the ink-jet systemutilizing heat energy, but is also applicable to the ink-jet systemutilizing piezoelectric elements, etc.

The present invention is not restricted to the above-describedembodiments, but allows various modifications without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus that forms an imagebased on data received from a plurality of data sources of differentkinds, including a data source of a first kind, said apparatuscomprising: a receiver for receiving data from each of the plurality ofdata sources, said receiver normally being enabled to receive data fromeach kind of data source; a memory for storing data received by saidreceiver; a recording unit, in which one of a plurality of printingmodes is set, for forming an image based on data read from said memory;a determination unit, responsive to a print request received from one ofthe plurality of data sources, for determining whether or not imageformation by said recording unit is currently being performed, based ondata previously received from another one of the plurality of datasources, said receiver being enabled, in response to a determination bysaid determination unit that image formation is currently beingperformed, to receive data from the first kind of data source and torefuse receipt of data from a data source of another kind; and an outputunit, responsive to a determination by said determination unit thatimage formation is not currently being performed and to receipt andstorage of data from the one data source in said memory, for generatinga command for setting said recording unit in a specific one of theplurality of printing modes, wherein any of the plurality of printingmodes can be set as a specific printing mode in accordance with thecommand generated by said output unit.
 2. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein image formation by said recording unit based on datafrom the other data source can be performed in the specific printingmode.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording unitrecords images on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets throughdischarge nozzles by utilizing an ejection energy generated inaccordance with image data to be recorded.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein said recording unit ejects ink droplets by causingchanges in a condition of ink using heat energy.
 5. An apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein said recording unit includes: a recordinghead equipped with a plurality of recording elements; and a moving unitfor performing a main scanning by a reciprocative movement of therecording head relative to the recording medium.
 6. A recording controlapparatus for controlling a recording unit that can be set in any of aplurality of printing modes, said apparatus being able to receive datafrom a plurality of data sources of different kinds, including a datasource of a first kind, said apparatus comprising: a receiver forreceiving data from each of the plurality of data sources, said receivernormally being enabled to receive data from each kind of data source; amemory for storing data received by said receiver; a determination unit,responsive to a print request received from one of the plurality of datasources, for determining whether or not image formation by the recordingunit is currently being performed, based on data previously receivedfrom another one of the plurality of data sources, said receiver beingenabled, in response to a determination by said determination unit thatimage formation is currently being performed, to receive data from thefirst kind of data source and to refuse receipt of data from a datasource of another kind; and an output unit, responsive to adetermination by said determination unit that image formation is notcurrently being performed and to receipt and storage of data from theone data source in said memory, for generating a command for setting therecording unit in a specific one of the plurality of printing modes,wherein any of the plurality of printing modes can be set as thespecific printing mode in accordance with the command generated by saidoutput unit.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein imageformation by the recording unit based on data from the other data sourcecan be performed in the specific printing mode.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the recording unit records images on arecording medium by ejecting ink droplets through discharge nozzles byutilizing an ejection energy generated in accordance with image data tobe recorded.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the recordingunit ejects ink droplets by causing changes in a condition of ink usingheat energy.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein therecording unit includes: a recording head equipped with a plurality ofrecording elements; and a moving unit for performing a main scanning bya reciprocative movement of the recording head relative to the recordingmedium.